Yesterday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer unveiled the Governmentโs AI Opportunities Action Plan, outlining ambitious steps to position the UK as a global leader in artificial intelligence. Central to this vision is a national data library designed to unlock the value of public data and accelerate AI research and innovation, particularly in healthcare.
The plan promises significant investments, including a UK supercomputer to bolster computing capabilities and initiatives to collate anonymised public sector data – health data prominently among them. This framework aims to empower AI technologies to tackle critical challenges, streamline operations, and revolutionise service delivery.
The announcement reflects the Governmentโs strategy to leverage the transformative power of AI while addressing public concerns. However, this push comes with political undertones as critics scrutinise the broader implications of data sharing and ethical governance.
Advantages of Advancing AI in Healthcare
The healthcare sector stands to benefit immensely from AI’s operational and clinical potential. Brigitte West, Product Director at DrDoctor, commented on the Action Plan, saying:
โThis is much-needed recognition that AI can be used for operational reasons โ so that clinical staff can spend less time on admin and more time delivering care.
โThe best AI solutions solve real-world problems and are targeted, built, and modelled with purpose. This is why we need to be realistic with the use cases and consider how AI products work in practice.
โSome of the biggest benefits weโre seeing at the moment are from applying AI to improve operational efficiencies at scale and help make healthcare teamsโ workflows much more effective.โ
The NHS is already exploring AI applications. For example, in December 2024, NHS England implemented AI tools to identify patients at risk of frequent emergency service use, enabling proactive interventions. AI-powered diagnostics, such as scans that detect diseases earlier, and technologies to optimise scheduling and resource allocation, are being used to reduce waiting lists and improve outcomes.
As the Prime Minister put it, AI has far-reaching potential:
โAI-powered scans can help doctors detect disease earlier. AI can cut NHS waiting lists by scheduling better appointments…. Indeed, right across our public services, it offers frontline staff the precious gift of time.โ
Public Access to Private Data?
The central pillar of the Action Plan – public data sharing – has sparked debate. A recent survey by the Health Foundation found that 75% of the public support sharing some of their personal health data for developing AI systems in the NHS.
When questioned about the potential for private firms to access this data for commercial purposes, Starmer emphasised that:
โIt is important we keep control of that data,โ though he added, โwe should not have a defensive approach to its use.โ
This statement highlights the delicate balance between fostering innovation and protecting personal data. Transparency, robust governance, and clear limitations on data usage will be critical to maintaining public trust.
Final Thought: Balancing Innovation and Ethics
While the AI Opportunities Action Plan promises substantial benefits, it also raises valid concerns about data privacy, ethical considerations, and the risk of widening inequalities in access to AI-driven healthcare. The establishment of the National Data Library is a positive step toward addressing these issues, but robust regulatory frameworks will be necessary to ensure equitable and secure data use.
The NHS could emerge stronger with AI tools that optimise workflows and enhance patient outcomes. However, stakeholders must collaborate to address potential pitfalls, such as bias in AI systems and ensuring accountability in data handling.
For the UK, this is a defining moment to lead global AI innovation in healthcare while setting ethical standards that prioritise patient welfare. The plan offers a roadmap to a future where technology not only transforms the NHS but also improves the overall health of the population.
To read Chamber UK’s previous analysis on the AI Opportunities Action Plan, please click here.